China Visa Policy for Australia, New Zealand: 15 Days Visa Free Available from July 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2025

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on December 18, 2024:

1. 15 days visa free has been upgraded to 30 days. Eligible countries updates: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Brunei and Japan. Valid till December 31, 2025. Read more »

2. 72-Hour/144-Hou Visa Free Transit have been upgraded to 240-Hou Visa Free Transi (10 days). 54 eligible countries include the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, etc. Eligible travelers can now travel across provinces, for example traveling from Beijing to Xian, then to Shanghai. Mohan Railway Port at China-Laos border can be used to enter/leave Yunnan. Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station has been added to Guangdong Province 144-hour transit visa-free. Read more »

3. Countries Mutual Exemption of Visa with China - Solomon Islands, Georgia, Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Antigua and Barbuda, Albania, UAE, Barbados, Bahamas, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dominica, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Qatar, Mauritius, Serbia, Seychelles, San Marino, Suriname, Tonga, Armenia.

4. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

5. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

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Do Australian and New Zealand citizens/passport holders need visas to China?

China has decided to implement a 15-day unilateral visa-free policy for New Zealand, Australia, and Poland from July 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2025. During this period, New Zealand and Australian citizens holding ordinary passports of New Zealand and Australia are visa-exempted to China when they enter via any sea, land, air ports opened to foreigners for tourism, business, family visits, or transit purposes for no more than 15 days. Thus, travelers can enjoy over a 2-week long holiday to popular destinations in China, and experience different types of glamour of Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, etc.

Our Clients Visited Bejing Tian'anmen Square

How long can a Australian or New Zealander stay in China without a visa?

Since China has announced the unilateral visa-free policy, as long as their citizens hold valid ordinary passports, they can enjoy a visa-free stay of 15 days in China. However, if the stay exceeds 15 days, or if they plan to study, live, or work in China, they still need to apply to the visa authority or competent department before entering the country.

Below are some recommended tour packages for New Zealand and Australian travelers. You are also welcomed to design your own China tour with the help of our travel experts!

Our Dearest Guests at Kui Gate, Qutang Gorge

New Zealand and Australia to China Visa Free – More Details to Know

1. The policy applies to holders of ordinary passports issued by New Zealand and Australia. Diplomatic and official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free entry.

2. The maximum period of stay is 15 days per visit. Foreigners who meet the visa-free entry requirements to China can stay continuously from the day of entry to 24:00 on the 15th natural day.

3. If a visitor meets visa-free entry requirements to China, he/she is allowed to enter and exit between China and New Zealand or Australia multiple times within the valid period of their passports.

4. The policy does not apply to people who are planning to study, work, or live in China exceeding 15 days. These people will still need to apply for a visa before entering the country.

Why is This Policy Important

The policy is expected to promote the exchange of personnel, tourism, and trade with New Zealand and Australia. Trip.com found that Australia has ranked as the fifth-largest country for inbound tourism to China this year, and orders for inbound tourism service products have grown by 155 percent year-on-year. The policy is supposed to increase enthusiasm to travel to China and boost inbound tourism orders.

The visa-free policy also benefits Chinese living in New Zealand and Australia, making it more convenient and smooth for family visits and travel to China.

How to Apply China Visa

If New Zealand and Australian citizens need to stay over 15 days in China, or want to work, study or live in China, he/she need to apply for required Chinese visas.

In Australia

① Log in to the official website of COVA (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn), choose the country and city you will apply. Then you will jump to the official website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (https://bio.visaforchina.cn).

② Create a new China Visa Application Form online, fill in the electronic form step by step, provide all personal information completely and truthfully. Note down the application ID number for retrieving the saved form. After careful check, save and submit the application form. The form cannot be changed once it is submitted.

③ Print the completed form out, sign and date it.

④ Arrive at the China Visa Application Service Center. Submit the paper form with other required documents when it’s your turn. (No appointment required)

⑤ Pick up your passport and visa (if granted), once you are noticed by the visa officer. Pay the China Visa Fees to the service center upon collection.

News:

* China implements the reciprocal arrangement with Australia regarding access to multi-entry visas of five years’ duration for business, tourism, and visiting family members. Starting from June 21st, 2024, the Embassy and Consulates of China in Australia will grant 5-year multi-entry visas to Australian citizens with valid ordinary passports and meet all relevant conditions, to visit China for business, tourism, or visiting family members. All the visa applications will be handled by the Chinese Visa Application Service Center within Australia.

In New Zealand

① Log in to the official website of COVA (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn), choose the country and city you will submit application.

② Create an new China Visa Application Form online, fill in the electronic form step by step, provide all personal information completely and truthfully. Note down the application ID number for retrieving the saved form & booking an appointment. After careful check, save and submit the application form. The form cannot be changed once it is submitted.

③ Print the completed form out, sign and date it.

④ Arrive at the embassy or consulate visa office, submit the paper form and other required documents when it’s your turn, and collect your fingerprint. (No appointment required)

⑤ Pick up your passport and visa (if granted), once you are noticed by the visa officer. Pay the China Visa Fees to the embassy or consulate upon collection.

Notes:

* To avoid overcrowding in the visa hall, and ensure a positive experience in the visa process, all visas and passports are to be returned by courier. Please bring a prepaid, self-addressed courier pack when submitting your applications.

* Upon the granting of your visa, you will receive an email detailing the procedures for visa fee payment. Please check your email promptly and make the payment through online banking. Once we confirm the payment, the passport will be returned via courier. If you request expedited processing or booked a travel to China within two weeks after submitting the application, please inform the staff on-site when you submit the application, so arrangements can be made for you to pick up your documents at the office.

Travel China with China Discovery

China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. We not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also can provide any visa-related support & help you need to travel to China. With a Chinese Visa, you can freely travel to many cities in China's mainland, among all, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong are often used as gate way cities, Xian, Guilin, Chengdu are also excellent destinations to discovery different regional culture, history and local customs in China.

You may choose from our most popular China tours, or just contact us, tell your interests and travel plans, we could customize a perfect China tour as you like.

Our American Group Tourists Enjoyed Great Wall Hiking Tour in Beijing

Introduction to China Visa

China Visa Application

China Visa Exemptions

Recommended Tours

Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

8 Days Best of China Tour (Flight/Bullet Train Covered)

Beijing / Xian / Shanghai

10 Days Classic China Tour from Beijing - First Touch of China

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Shanghai

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Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

Customize a Trip